Illinois Supreme Court Chief Justice Thomas Kilbride '81 was quoted in The Times on a new rule sanctioned by the Illinois Supreme Court allowing jurors in civil cases to submit their own questions to certain witnesses during a trial to fill gaps in testimony or clear up confusing details.

In explaining the Supreme Court's decision to adopt the rule, Chief Justice Thomas L. Kilbride said, "Based on the comments of those (officials) who have used or seen the procedure at trials, such a rule enhances juror engagement, juror comprehension and attention to the proceeding and gives jurors a better appreciation for our system of justice."

Kilbride said, "The rule is written so that its implementation rests with the discretion of the trial judge and with safeguards so that the testimony it (the juror's question) elicits complies with the rules of evidence."